Bruiser Kong can slam rivals

In short, Kong left the strong impression that he can take another big step forward granted a truly-run race and, in addition, it isn't as if tomorrow's field is packed with rivals boasting flawless Derby profiles.

Motivator has been favourite for much of the spring and deservedly so after following his runaway Newmarket maiden win with emphatic successes in the Racing Post Trophy and the Dante.

His natural speed and sharp turn of foot are potent weapons and, given that his preparation has gone like clockwork, it will be a big surprise if Michael Bell's colt doesn't run a big race.

That said, a slight doubt over his stamina and a nagging one about his headstrong nature mean Motivator is no bargain at 5-2, while the poor value angle is equally applicable to Dubawi.

Granted, he was among the cream of the crop at two and banished memories of a wayward display in the 2,000 Guineas with an emphatic defeat of Oratorio in the Irish Guineas. But 12 furlongs round Epsom's helter-skelter provides a vastly different test than a mile across the gentle curves of the Curragh.

Dubawi is bred to stay beyond a mile. Indeed, Godolphin spokesman Simon Crisford said he would get the Derby trip "standing on his head" last year.

But the party line is now much more cautious. Frankie Dettori admits he has "no idea" whether Dubawi will stay. In truth, no one does, but the road to Derby glory is littered with the bones of brilliant milers who shrivelled when the hurt kicked in up the Epsom straight.

Stamina is less of a worry for Aidan O'Brien's team, which has been whittled down from any number of "definite possibles" to a quartet made up of Gypsy King, Oratorio, Grand Central and Almighty. The unbeaten Gypsy King came in for predictable support once the puff of white smoke from Ballydoyle yesterday finally revealed that Kieren Fallon would be aboard, but at 4-1 he is the price of a very good horse when all he has looked so far is a highly promising yet worryingly immature one.

Oratorio is much more battle hardened though less likely to thrive over this longer trip, while The Geezer and Fracas are almost certain to stay and will make plenty of appeal to those who feel the market leaders are there to be beaten.

Of the rest, Kong's stablemate Unfurled was damned with faint praise by Dunlop after winning a Goodwood race which has been an abysmal Derby trial, while Hattan is a proven stayer but, along with First Row, Almighty and Kings Quay, will surely be vulnerable if this great race is up to its usual standard.

Indeed, the 2005 Derby could shake down to just five or six horses in the last three furlongs.

If what we saw at York and the Curragh is any guide then Motivator and Dubawi will still be cruising at that point, while former champion Fallon will be getting in that familiar coiled drive position on Gypsy King as he bids to become the first man to win three consecutive Derbies for more than 80 years.

Fracas, Grand Central, The Geezer, Walk In The Park and Oratorio will be aiming to make their move soon after, but Kong is the forgotten horse of this year's race and at 20-1 or bigger on Betfair he looks the clear each-way value.